The world of home theater and audio enthusiasts is filled with numerous speaker options, each promising exceptional sound quality and performance. Among these, the Definitive Technology D17 speaker has garnered significant attention for its impressive features and affordability. In this comprehensive review and buying guide, we'll delve into the details of the Definitive Technology D17 speaker, exploring its design, performance, and value for money.
What is the Definitive Technology D17 Speaker?
The Definitive Technology D17 is a high-performance bookshelf speaker designed to deliver accurate, detailed sound reproduction in a compact package. Part of Definitive Technology's BP-9040ST and BP-9060ST series, the D17 speaker is engineered to provide a seamless listening experience, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Definitive Technology D17 speaker exudes a sense of sophistication and elegance. Its sleek, compact design makes it perfect for placement on a bookshelf or as part of a home theater system. The speaker's cabinet is constructed from high-quality MDF, ensuring durability and minimal resonance.
Driver Technology
The D17 speaker features a proprietary BDSS (Balanced Double Surround System) driver, which combines a 6.5-inch mid/bass driver with a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter. This unique driver design enables the speaker to produce a wide frequency response, ranging from 26 Hz to 30 kHz.
Performance
The Definitive Technology D17 speaker is known for its impressive sound quality, delivering crisp, detailed highs and deep, rumbling lows. Its wide frequency response and high sensitivity rating (91 dB) make it an excellent choice for home theaters and music listening.
Key Features
Some of the key features of the Definitive Technology D17 speaker include:
- BDSS Driver Technology: Proprietary driver design combining a 6.5-inch mid/bass driver with a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter
- Wide Frequency Response: 26 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response for accurate sound reproduction
- High Sensitivity Rating: 91 dB sensitivity rating for efficient power handling
- Compact Design: Sleek, compact design perfect for bookshelf placement or home theater systems
- High-Quality Cabinet Construction: Durable MDF cabinet construction with minimal resonance
Benefits and Advantages
The Definitive Technology D17 speaker offers several benefits and advantages, including:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: Accurate, detailed sound reproduction with deep bass and crisp highs
- Compact Design: Perfect for bookshelf placement or home theater systems
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for money, considering its features and performance
- Easy to Set Up: Simple installation process, with a variety of placement options
Comparison to Other Speakers
When compared to other speakers in its class, the Definitive Technology D17 stands out for its exceptional sound quality, compact design, and affordable price. Some of its closest competitors include:
- Klipsch RP-600M: Known for its clear, detailed sound and sleek design
- Polk Audio RTi A1: Offers excellent sound quality and a compact design, with a slightly higher price point
- Q Acoustics 3020i: A popular choice for home theaters and music listening, with a similar price point to the D17
Buying Guide
If you're considering purchasing the Definitive Technology D17 speaker, here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Room Size: The D17 speaker is suitable for small to medium-sized rooms, with a recommended room size of up to 2,000 cubic feet
- Power Requirements: The speaker requires a minimum of 20 watts of power, with a recommended range of 20-100 watts
- Placement Options: The D17 speaker can be placed on a bookshelf, in a corner, or as part of a home theater system
- Budget: The Definitive Technology D17 speaker is an affordable option, with a price point of around $500-$700 per pair
Gallery of Definitive Technology D17 Speaker
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the frequency response of the Definitive Technology D17 speaker?
+The Definitive Technology D17 speaker has a frequency response of 26 Hz to 30 kHz.
How much power does the Definitive Technology D17 speaker require?
+The Definitive Technology D17 speaker requires a minimum of 20 watts of power, with a recommended range of 20-100 watts.
Is the Definitive Technology D17 speaker suitable for large rooms?
+No, the Definitive Technology D17 speaker is recommended for small to medium-sized rooms, with a maximum room size of 2,000 cubic feet.
Conclusion
The Definitive Technology D17 speaker is an excellent choice for home theaters and music listening, offering exceptional sound quality, a compact design, and an affordable price. With its proprietary BDSS driver technology, wide frequency response, and high sensitivity rating, the D17 speaker is sure to impress even the most discerning audiophiles. Whether you're a seasoned audio enthusiast or just starting to build your home theater system, the Definitive Technology D17 speaker is definitely worth considering.